The NAU Nutrition and Foods program will prepare students who will be involved in working with individuals, groups and communities within industries related to food, food safety, food science, and nutrition, as well as entry into graduate school, physician assistant, Physical Therapy, occupational therapy, or medical school. It will provide students with core knowledge, practical skills, and opportunities to practice.
The NAU Nutrition and Foods program provides a range of future opportunities. As a graduate of this program, you will be able design nutritional programs to address specific health issues, such as unhealthy weight, diabetes or hypertension for individuals, communities, and institutions. You will increase public awareness of food safety and nutritional standards and advocate for food policy and access to healthy foods. You might choose a research path, investigating how changes in diet (such as reducing salt intake) affect health (by reducing blood pressure). Nutrition and Food professionals collaborate with food manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of prepared food. This program can also be a pre-health professional pathway for students preparing for entry into graduate nutrition programs, medical school, physician assistant or similar programs.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | PSY 230 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Nutrition and Foods prepares students to understand and apply physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food (nutrients), how the body uses nutrients to impact health and disease, and, the process of food selection and preparation for maintenance or improvement of overall health, wellness, and performance.
The degree program is designed for students with diverse health career interests with a functional health emphasis: the integration of fitness and performance, wellness, clinical and public health programming is foundational to broad professional application. Students will learn, evidence-based methods and develop experience-based knowledge that supports an overall holistic approach to health.
Through practical application, students will be prepared to: evaluate and apply nutrition research to design interventions, counsel individuals and the public, facilitate and support behavior change; advocate for sustainable food practice; and serve as community nutrition resources.
Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 83 - 84 units.
Take the following 83 - 84 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Select one from:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.